Battle of the BBQS competition raises $30,000 for local Shalom Food Pantry

The sixth annual Battle of the BBQS held Sunday, July 30, raised $30,000 for the Shalom Food Pantry, based in Bethlehem, assisting in it’s mission to fight local food insecurity.

In addition to the $30,000 raised at the barbecue, the Albany County Legislature presented a $10,000 grant to the Shalom Food Pantry from the Community Development Fund. From left, Chairman Andrew Joyce of the Albany County Legislature, Rabbi Zalman Simon of the Bethlehem Chabad, County Legislator Sam Fein, and Chanie Simon, Shalom Pantry director.

Climbing up the rocks entertained some kids.

Chanie Simon, food pantry director, said, “Five hundred helped the pantry by attending the event.” She added, “The Shalom Food Pantry distributes food to over 250 households ever month with packages containing pantry staples, dairy items and fresh produce.”

In addition to the $30,000 the Albany County Legislature presented a $10,000 grant to the Shalom Food Pantry from the Community Development Fund to support the local work.

Participants were offered a variety of barbecue flavors at the competition with each team creating recipes out of ground beef, chicken, eggplant and zucchini.

Live music was presented by the Band of Gold and children were offered opportunities to take part in games with coaches from Athletic Haven, rock climbing, and face painting.

Representing Bethlehem Chabad were Dana Kamer and Ruth Kassel.

The committee that assisted with the barbecue competition included Jennifer Wind, Lianne Wladis, Sherry Ashery, Seri Ference, Chanie Simon, Shalom Pantry director, and Lauren Iselin.